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Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
- 2. Camden Children’s Garden
- 3. Visit the Adventure Aquariumon the CamdenWaterfront
- 4. Diggerland Amusement Parkand Water Park, West Berlin
- 5. Experience Cape MayBeach
- 6. Visit the Jersey ShoreAlpacas
- 7. Spot Whales and Dolphins with Cape MayWhale Watcher
- 8. Atlantic City Boardwalk
- 9. Morey’s Piersand Beachfront Water Parks, Wildwoods, NJ
- 10. Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson Township, New Jersey
- 11. Experience the Magic of Storybook Land, Egg Harbor Township
- 12. Turtle Back Zoo, West Orange
- 13. Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, Point Pleasant
- 14. Asbury ParkBoardwalk
- 15. Take a Day Tripto Morristown
- 16. New JerseyBotanical Gardens, Passaic County
- 18. Land of Make Believe
- 19. Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
- 20. Liberty State Park, Jersey City
- 21. Shop and Play at American Dream, East Rutherford, New Jersey
- Where to Stay Near New Jersey
From mini-golfto amusement parksto boardwalkson the Jersey Shore, New Jerseyprovides an abundance of fun thingsto do with kids. An easy train ridefrom NYC, northern New Jersey attractions offer family-friendly activities ideal for a day trip from New York City. Check out the American Dream – a 3,000,000 square foot retail and entertainment complex. Get in some beach time on the Jersey Shore or base your explorations in Camden just outside of Philadelphia for more family fun. Wherever you go, you’ll find plenty of things to do to keep the whole family happy.
1. Battleship New Jersey Museum & Memorial, Camden, NJ
Regularly ranked as one of the best museums in New Jersey, the Battleship New Jersey Museum Memorial displays artifacts from the battleship’s past. It also immerses you in the exhibits as you tour the vessel. Climb into the 16-inch gun turret, track a tomahawk missile launch in the Combat Engagement Center or stretch out on the sailors’ bunks.
2. Camden Children’s Garden
For nature-themed fun, young children enjoy the CamdenChildren’s Garden. Climb on a rooster, hummingbird or sea dragon on the carousel. Or plan your visit for mid-November for the garden’s special event – the Train Festival at Camden Children’s Garden featuring crafts, games, train stories and a train ride through the garden.
3. Visit the Adventure Aquariumon the CamdenWaterfront
Located on the CamdenWaterfront, the family-friendlyAdventure Aquarium boasts more than 15,000 aquatic species in two million gallons of water. The only aquarium in the world to exhibit hippos, Adventure Aquariumalso houses Little Blue penguinsas permanent residents. The aquarium also features a V-shaped rope suspension bridge – the longest Shark Bridge in the world – that hovers just inches over Shark Realm.
4. Diggerland Amusement Parkand Water Park, West Berlin
Operate real construction machinery at the unique Diggerland USAconstruction-themed amusement and water park. The whole family can drive, ride, slide and soak in this unusual New Jersey attraction.
5. Experience Cape MayBeach
Situated on New Jersey’s southernmost point, Cape Mayis one of the USA’s oldest seaside resorts. Enjoy expansive ocean views, gawk at ornate Victorian mansions or explore the history of Cape May on a guided trolley tour. Of course, you can also just enjoy the beach. But if you visit during peak season from Memorial Day to Labor Day, you’ll need a daily or seasonal tag to enter the beach.
6. Visit the Jersey ShoreAlpacas
In the Cape May countycommunity of Green Creek, you’ll find Jersey ShoreAlpacas – a small family farm. The whole familywill enjoy meeting the adorable alpacas. Be sure to visit the gift shop for soft alpaca clothing items and cuddly toys. The Jersey ShoreAlpaca experience is available by appointment only. Be sure to check the websitefor details.
7. Spot Whales and Dolphins with Cape MayWhale Watcher
While you’re visiting Cape May, consider booking a dolphin and whale watching tour with Cape MayWhale Watcher. You can also choose a lighthouse or sunset tour.
8. Atlantic City Boardwalk
Sample salt taffy or decadent fudge from shows along the Atlantic City Boardwalk. The heart of this seaside city, the Atlantic City Boardwalk spans 4.8-miles and features several piers lined with New Jersey attractions, shops, eateries and museums. As you stroll the boardwalk, take in the sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean.
9. Morey’s Piersand Beachfront Water Parks, Wildwoods, NJ
Experience a classic seaside amusement park at the family-owned and operated Morey’s Piers. Located on the boardwalk in Wildwoods, New Jersey, Morey’s Piers offers over 100 rides and attractions. Spanning six beach blocks, Morey’s Piers includes three amusement piers and two beachfront waterparks.
10. Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson Township, New Jersey
One of the world’s largest theme parks, Six Flags Great Adventure offers plenty of thrill rides including 14 world-class roller coasters. The amusement park also includes four theme areas: Boardwalk, Frontier Adventures, Fantasy Forest and Movietown. Special events include Fright Fest and Holiday in the Park.
11. Experience the Magic of Storybook Land, Egg Harbor Township
Embrace the spirit of childhood with a walk through the 20-acre amusement park, Storybook Land.Introduce your children or grandchildren to classic children’s books and nursery rhymes as you experience rides and attractions at this beloved New Jersey attraction.
12. Turtle Back Zoo, West Orange
Situated on 20 acres in the South Mountain Reservation managed by the Essex County Park system, Turtle Back Zoois a must-see New Jersey classic. Open year-round, the zoo features an open air pavilion for pony rides and a train ride that takes you through the woods to view the zoo residents.
13. Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, Point Pleasant
For plenty of family fun, base your Jersey Shore experience in Point Pleasant. A mile-long boardwalk bordering the Atlantic Ocean is home to Jenkinson’s Boardwalk Amusements. Here you’ll find a fun house, four arcades, a Victorian ice cream parlor and gift shops.
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk also features three mini golf courses and the Jenkinson’s Aquarium – home to penguins, parrots, sharks and more. Just off the boardwalk, you can book adventures with Point Pleasant Parasail. Book a sport fishing trip and enjoy plenty of nightlife.
14. Asbury ParkBoardwalk
A highlight of the Jersey Shore, the Asbury Park Boardwalkfeatures an eclectic mix of eateries including Korean fusion tacos, sausages, oysters and Italian ice. Plentiful shops showcase everything from antiques to souvenirs. Art galleries add to the Asbury Park Boardwalk experience as do special events throughout the year including a Jazz Festival and an Oyster Festival held every summer.
Step back in time at the Silverball Retro Arcade in Asbury Park where classic pinball games keep the whole family entertained. There’s also oceanfront mini-golf and Asbury Splash Park with a famous tipping teacup to keep the kids happily soaked.
15. Take a Day Tripto Morristown
Located just 25 miles west of NYC, Morristown is steeped in history and culture. Here you’ll find Washington’s Headquarters Museum – one of 12 National Parks in the Garden State. More history awaits at Jockey Hollow where soldier encampments provide insights into the Revolutionary War. The park also features hiking trails for all levels.
16. New JerseyBotanical Gardens, Passaic County
Surrounded by 1,000 acres of woodlands, the New Jersey Botanical Gardens provides a nice nature oasis in Passaic County. With 96 acres of specialty gardens and miles of marked trails, it provides a fun outdoor adventure for the whole family.
17. Hike & Picnic at Garrett Mountain Reservation, PassaicCounty
Situated more than 500 feet above sea level, the 568-acre Garret Mountain Reservation provides sweeping views of northern New Jerseyand the New York Cityskyline. The park makes an ideal place for a family hike followed by lunch in one of the park’s picnic areas.
18. Land of Make Believe
Designed with a focus on children under 13, the Land of Make Believe is a family-focused amusement parkand water park. Here parents are encouraged to participate with their children riding kid-friendly roller coastersor splashing about in the water park.
19. Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Located in Liberty State Park, the Liberty Science Center features the largest planetariumin the country and the fourth largest in the world. An array of interactive exhibits and an 89-foot dome are some of the highlights of this intriguing science center. Be sure to take in a show at the planetarium.
20. Liberty State Park, Jersey City
With expansive views of the NYC skyline, Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, Liberty State Park attracts roughly four million visitors each year. Within the park’s 1,212 acres, you’ll find the historic Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal. The park also houses the Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial.
From the park you can take the ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Other amenities induce picnic areas, a playground, hiking and biking trails and more.
21. Shop and Play at American Dream, East Rutherford, New Jersey
A massive retail and entertainment complex, American Dream sits within the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Rainy days never stop the family fun at American Dream which features special events along with an incredible variety of indoor amusement parks. Splash down the slides at the world’s largest indoor water park, DreamWorks. Come face-to-fin in the SeaLife underwater tunnel where you’ll find sharks, rays and over 10 aquatic exhibits featuring NYC landmarks.
In TILT, experience the unique art museum created by the 3D art of Tracy Lee Stum. A former Guiness World Record holder, Tracy creates interactive art where kids of all ages step through the looking glass into 3D murals.
Ride giant roller coasters at the Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park – the largest indoor amusement park in the Western Hemisphere. Or play a round or two at Angry Birds Mini Golf.
Or, ski on real snow year round at Big Snow, North American’s only year-round indoor ski resort. There’so much to see and do at American Dream it makes an ideal day trip from New York City.
Where to Stay Near New Jersey
There are lots of options for hotel stays near New Jersey, including vacation rentals. Use this interactive map to help you find a place to stay in the area.
FAQs
21 Fun Things to Do in New Jersey With Kids? ›
All 50 states were compared across 51 key indicators of family friendliness, according to WalletHub analyst, Jill Gonzalez. That ranges from the median annual family income to housing affordability to the unemployment rate. New Jersey is a great place to raise a family, ranking 7th best overall.
Where can I take my kids in New Jersey? ›- Grounds For Sculpture. 1,941. Parks. ...
- Atlantic City Boardwalk. 5,648. Piers & Boardwalks. ...
- Ocean City Boardwalk. 1,898. Piers & Boardwalks. ...
- Cape May Lighthouse. 2,148. Speciality Museums • Lighthouses. ...
- Cape May Beach. 2,248. Beaches. ...
- Wildwood Beach. 1,915. Beaches. ...
- Cape May County Park & Zoo. 1,633. Zoos. ...
- Lakota Wolf Preserve. 692.
- Are ready for athletic and team sports.
- May want to start lessons in music, dance, drawing or crafts.
- Can do complex models and puzzles.
- May enjoy hobbies, collections and scrapbooks.
- May have an interest in gadgets and inventions.
- Enjoy competitive games and sports.
- Have a reading marathon.
- Write stories together.
- Play soccer.
- Paint or draw together.
- Create a fort in your living room out of blankets or cardboard boxes.
- Go on a hike.
- Have a sunset picnic at a park or beach.
- Play board games.
All 50 states were compared across 51 key indicators of family friendliness, according to WalletHub analyst, Jill Gonzalez. That ranges from the median annual family income to housing affordability to the unemployment rate. New Jersey is a great place to raise a family, ranking 7th best overall.
Can I leave my 8 year old home alone in NJ? ›The State of New Jersey does not specify any appropriate, legal age to leave a child or children home alone.
Can boys and girls share a room in NJ? ›A child in placement shall not share a bedroom with any child of the opposite sex unless consideration of the child in placement's age and sexual identity indicate that this is in the child's best interest.
What activities do children enjoy most? ›- Making playthings from household items.
- Bubble socks.
- Build a den.
- Ice finds.
- Water painting.
- Drawing with chalk.
- Drawing outdoors.
- Scavenger hunt.
The Best And Hardest Ages
Forty percent of survey participants felt that five was the most fun age. This was thought to be down to improved communication skills and the development of a good sense of humour. The survey also found that parents had the least fun with the 10 to 12 year old children.
Gaming hit, Among Us, remains popular with kids. Kids also think that Roblox will remain popular, and recent updates to Adopt Me! (PopJammers' favorite game, alongside Piggy) have kept kids excited. Fortnite and Minecraft also received multiple mentions this year.
Is New Jersey cheaper than Florida? ›
While the cost of living in some of the state's larger cities like Miami, can be on the higher side, the majority of the state is very affordable compared to the national average. In fact, New Jersey comes in about 20% higher than Florida for overall cost of living expenses.
Is New Jersey a cheap state? ›The cost of living in New Jersey is 12% higher than the national average. Housing is 32% higher than the national average, while utilities are 8% higher. When it comes to basic necessities such as food and clothing, groceries are around 4% higher than in the rest of the country, while clothing costs 4% higher.
What is the average salary of family in New Jersey? ›The following data are the most current income statistics for New Jersey from the US Census Bureau, are in 2021 inflation adjusted dollars and are from the American Community Survey 2021 5-year estimates. Median Household Income: $89,703. Average Household Income: $124,626. Per Capita Income: $46,691.
How can a 13 year old have fun? ›- Arrange a Scavenger Hunt. ...
- Attend a Comic-Con. ...
- Attend a Concert. ...
- Bake a Cake. ...
- Be a Tourist in Your Own City. ...
- Binge Watch a Series. ...
- Call Your Crush and Invite Him/Her To a Party. ...
- Camp in the Backyard.
- Cook for themselves. Not all the time! ...
- Do their own laundry. This one isn't just to help their parents. ...
- Use public transit. ...
- Get to and from school on their own. ...
- Do a grocery run. ...
- Have non-electronic fun. ...
- Watch over a younger child for brief stints. ...
- Maintain a calendar.
Children under the age of five years shall be provided with a separate sleeping room from children five years of age and older.
Can a 12 year old babysit in NJ? ›New Jersey law doesn't specify an exact age at which children are legally allowed to stay home alone or babysit for younger children, so parents must decide that for themselves.
Can a 16 year old leave home in NJ? ›You need your parent's consent to move out of the home unless you're 18 years old. But if you are 16 and within a limited series of circumstances, it would be appropriate for you to be out of your home, you can seek emancipation of yourself from your parents.
What age is a child entitled to their own bedroom? ›Any person over the age of 16 is considered an adult and requires their own bedroom. It is however worth noting that local authorities count any room or living space that can be slept in (such as living rooms, dining rooms and studies) as a bedroom as long as the space is over 50 square feet.
At what age should boy and girl twins stop sharing a room? ›For those who are homeowners or renting privately, the present guidelines are that once a child reaches the age of 10 years ideally, they should not room share with a sibling of the opposite sex.
Can a child sleep in the same room as a parent? ›
While the AAP strongly advises against parents bed-sharing with infants, they strongly recommend room-sharing, which keeps babies close to their parents in the same room (often within arm's reach) but on their own safe sleeping surface like a bassinet or crib.
What makes a kid happy? ›Friendships and time with friends
Good, close friendships, sometimes described as "like family", were viewed as an important part of a happy childhood. Strong and secure friendships can help children through difficult times "because if you're upset, then they'll be there for you".
Sports related hobby ideas for children. When it comes to children's hobbies and interest, there is no interest more popular than sports. Whether it's a team sport such as soccer, football or dancing, or a singular activity like skateboarding or swimming, it is worth encouraging.
What age is hardest to parent? ›Every stage of parenting has its challenges, but one poll reveals what age most parents feel they struggled with the most.
What is the most exhausting age to parent? ›Older parents are generally less at risk for depression than younger ones. Parents still in their early 20s appear to have the hardest time because they are struggling with their own move from adolescence to adulthood while at the same time learning to be parents.
What's the easiest age to parent? ›They become quite independent as they reach 5-6 years of age, even wanting to help you with some of the chores! This is probably why most parents look at age 6 as the magical age when parenting gets easier.
What is trending for kids in 2023? ›BOLD & BRIGHT HUES
One of the most noticeable trends for 2023 will be the use of bright colors in children's clothing. Bold and bright hues are expected to make a comeback, as designers embrace vibrant colors like hot pink, bright yellow, and electric blue.
Timeless fashion styles for kids include graphic tees, cardigans, jeans, cargo shorts, denim jackets, and leggings. For footwear, boots, loafers, and sneakers in classic colorways will still be popular. These timeless fashion items provide an easy-to-pull-off look that will never go out of style.
Is it cheaper to live in NYC or NJ? ›Cost of Living of New York Compared to New Jersey
When it comes to affordability, New Jersey has the upper hand. Take, for example, the average rent in Manhattan, which rose to a record $5,000 per month in 2022.
The cost of living in Newark, NJ is -32.7% lower than in New York, NY. You would have to earn a salary of $40,384 to maintain your current standard of living. Employers in Newark, NJ typically pay -3.7% less than employers in New York, NY.
What part of New Jersey is the cheapest to live? ›
- Hightstown.
- New Brunswick.
- Phillipsburg.
- Pompton Lakes.
- Rahway.
- Toms River.
Coming in as the cheapest state to live in in the United States is Mississippi with a cost of living index score of 83.3. It also has the lowest average housing costs in the nation at 33.7% below the national average.
How much money is needed to live in NJ? ›1 ADULT | 2 ADULTS (BOTH WORKING) | |
---|---|---|
0 Children | 0 Children | |
Required annual income after taxes | $33,575 | $52,545 |
Annual taxes | $5,335 | $7,617 |
Required annual income before taxes | $38,910 | $60,162 |
Gloucester City is the cheapest place to live in NJ, with a median home value of just over $125,000 in 2022. This city is located in Camden County, New Jersey, and is home to around 11,500 people.
What salary is middle class in NJ? ›Pew explains that a middle income equals an annual household income of $52,000 to $156,000 for a family of three, based on 2020 dollars.
Is $25 an hour good? ›Absolutely. In fact, $25 an hour is higher than the median hourly wage of $19.33 (source). That seems backwards, but typically salaried workers earn more per hour than hourly workers.
What is upper middle class in NJ? ›(The Center Square) – In New Jersey, households must earn a minimum of $39,920 per year to be considered middle class, with the upper earnings boundary set at $197,868, according to a new 24/7 Wall St. analysis.
What is families for Safe Streets NJ? ›Mission & Vision. We are victims of traffic violence and families whose loved ones have been killed or severely injured by aggressive or reckless driving and dangerous conditions on New Jersey streets or elsewhere.
How old does a kid have to be to sit in the front in NJ? ›Age 8 and above: A child age 8 and older can sit in a regular seat using a seat belt. However, the New Jersey law does not specify when children over age 8 can move from the back seat to the front seat. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends children not sit in the front seat until age 12.
Can you take a child out of state in NJ? ›Under New Jersey law, moving a child out of state requires permission from the other parent or the courts. The statute applies to a minor child born in the state, or who has lived in the state for at least five years. (N.J.S.A. 9:2-2).
Can you leave your kids in the car in NJ? ›
New Jersey's unattended child law states that a parent, legal guardian, or another person responsible for a child younger than 14 years old who leaves the child unattended and unsupervised in a motor vehicle will be considered a petty disorderly person and subject to a fine of not less than $500.
Do you own the sidewalk in front of your house in NJ? ›Who does the sidewalk belong to in New Jersey? With regard to residential property, the sidewalk that is adjacent to or in front of such property is deemed public property. Therefore, under New Jersey law, an owner of a residential property owes no duty to pedestrians to maintain the public sidewalk.
What is safe kids worldwide nj? ›Safe Kids New Jersey, part of Safe Kids Worldwide, is a nonprofit organization working to help families and communities keep kids safe from injuries. Most people are surprised to learn preventable injuries are the #1 killer of kids in the United States.
Which neighborhood is safe in New Jersey? ›Rank | City | Safety Index |
---|---|---|
1 | Ocean City | 1.35 |
2 | Weehawken Township | 1.09 |
3 | Ventnor City | 1.07 |
4 | Wall Township | 0.94 |
State of New Jersey. Any child under the age of 8 years old and a height of 57 inches shall be secured as follows in the rear seat of a motor vehicle: a. A child under the age of 2 years and 30 pounds shall be secured in a rear-facing seat equipped with a 5-point harness.
What is the seat belt law in New Jersey? ›New Jersey's seat belt law requires all motor vehicle passengers in the front seats and back seats to buckle up. Belt use by the driver and all front seat passengers is a primary offense — a police officer may stop a vehicle and issue a ticket for this violation alone.
What ages are not allowed to sit in front? ›It is safest — and best practice — for children to not sit in the front seat until they are 13 years old. The Centers for Disease Control, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and, most likely, even your air bag and car manufacturer recommend keeping children under age 13 in the back seat.
At what age can a child refuse visitation in NJ? ›In New Jersey, the child cannot refuse visitation or have any say in a visitation schedule until they reach the age of adulthood, which is 18. This means that as the custodial parent, you are required to encourage visitation and help to facilitate it even if the child speaks out against being with the other parent.
Can a mother move a child away from the father in NJ? ›Under N.J.S.A. 9:2-2, children may not be removed out of New Jersey without the consent of both parents, unless the court, upon cause shown, shall otherwise order. This means that you must either have the other parent's permission to relocate from NJ with the child or from the court.
Can a mother take a baby out of state? ›In some states, it may be against the law to take children out of state only if it violates a custody order or if there is an active custody case pending. In other states, the act of taking the children out of state itself may not be illegal unless the parent hides (conceals) the children from the other parent.
Can I leave baby in car for 2 minutes? ›
Keeping your passengers safe
Never leave infants or children alone in a parked car—not even for 1 minute. Nothing—not cracking the windows nor running the air conditioner or heater—can ensure the car remains at a temperature that is safe for your child.
A parent, legal guardian or other person responsible for a child younger than 14 years of age who leaves the child unattended and unsupervised in a motor vehicle shall be a petty disorderly person and subject to a fine of not less than $500.
Can I leave my baby alone in the car? ›Avoid heatstroke-related injury and death by never leaving your child alone in a car, not even for a minute. Always lock your car when you're not in it so kids can't get in on their own, and keep keys and remote entry fobs out of kids' sight and reach.